The Naked Truth Page 5

  Once it was over and she couldn’t take anymore, he let go of her arms and removed his other hand from inside her. He picked her up and carried her to his bed, laying her down.

  “That was good,” she murmured. “But it’s my turn to please you.” Reaching out, she yanked him by his pants, pulling him down onto the bed with her.

  He fell next to her and she then crawled on top of him, pulling her dress up around her waist.

  “Fuck, you’re hot,” he said.

  She reached behind her head and started to pull the zipper down. She then pushed the top of the dress down as well so it sat in a circle around her waist. His eyes were completely dark and she loved knowing she had such an effect on him. Abigail unclasped her bra and removed it, letting it drop to the floor. He cupped her breasts and his fingers rubbed over her pert nipples.

  She leaned forward and let the tip of one touch his cheek and then slowly moved until it graced his mouth. He sucked it in and kneaded on the other one. She closed her eyes and relished in the pleasure. His tongue was doing wonders to her.

  She pushed away from him and stood. She wiggled out of the dress and her panties, so she now only wore her heels.

  “You’re beautiful.” Josh sat up and started to unbutton his shirt.

  “Let me.” She pushed his hands away and took over. One by one, she undid the buttons until she was able to push his shirt off his shoulders. She then started on his belt and the button on his pants. After that she pushed his pants down, eager to see if he was a boxer or a briefs kind of man.

  Ah, he was a boxer brief man. With her thumbs in the black waistband, she lowered them and herself with them, until she was on her knees in front of him. His cock was in her face and she smiled up at him. Opening her mouth, she glided it in. Not far, just enough to coat the tip with her saliva.

  “Oh, God,” he murmured.

  She took him deeper and her tongue followed the vein on the underside, massaging it. His breathing was heavy. She stole a glance at him. His eyes were closed and his hips only slightly moved with the rhythm. Any other time, she’d do whatever she had to send him over the edge, but not tonight. For now she’d tease.

  After a few more minutes of letting her mouth pleasure him, she kissed her way back up his body. Josh grabbed her by the waist and tossed her onto the bed. She laughed and he joined her right away, pushing against her until she climbed backward up to the headboard.

  “You have no idea what you do to me.” He kissed her arms, shoulders, neck, and finally her lips.

  “Oh, I think I do. It’s your turn to touch me and find out.” She squirmed at the sensation as he dipped a finger between their bodies and rubbed the sensitive nub. He flicked it several times then lightly squeezed it. She clung to his shoulders. “Oh, God, Josh!”

  He laughed slightly and then removed his hand. “Now you know how I felt doing my best to hold off as you pleasured me with your talented mouth.”

  “Make love to me now,” she pleaded.

  Josh reached over to his nightstand and removed a foil package. She watched as he rolled it onto his long shaft. He then pushed her legs apart and placed the tip right at her opening. His lips reclaimed hers and as his tongue thrust into her mouth, his cock entered her opening.

  It was then she really lost every coherent thought and all she could do was concentrate on the connection she had with Josh. With each thrust, he brought her closer and closer to climax. And when it finally tore through her body, she knew she could never go another day without this man.

  Once it was over, she curled up into his body. His arms were tightly wrapped around her. She closed her eyes and fell asleep in the embrace of the man she loved. The man she couldn’t walk away from, even if she tried.

  Chapter Seven

  Josh was the first awake the next morning. He propped himself up on his elbow and gazed down at Abigail as she slept. It was going to break his heart when she got back on a plane with Hailey, but he had to keep faith she would be back. Perhaps he could convince her before then that she belonged in his bed, just as he should have five years ago.

  Abigail stirred and then rolled over onto her back. Her lids fluttered open and she smiled when she saw him.

  “Good morning, beautiful. How was your night?” he asked.

  “Best night of sleep I’ve had in years.”

  “You’re not the only one.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I wish we could stay right here forever.”

  Abigail lightly rubbed his morning stubble before sitting up. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek and then trailed her lips to his. It was a sensual kiss, but enough to get his engines roaring. Wrapping his hand around her neck, he broke the contact and stared into her eyes.

  “I’d love to see where this is going, but…” He smiled at her. “We have a daughter to take care of.” It warmed his heart to say the words he did. He still couldn’t believe he was a father.

  “We do.” She raked her hands through his hair. “I really am sorry, Josh. I made the wrong decision all those years ago. I never should have kept her from you. I can see how much you love her.”

  “There’s no need to apologize. We can’t go back and redo it. Besides, I never should’ve let you walk away. I had the ability to find you after you gave me that fake number. But I didn’t. I just assumed the feelings weren’t mutual.”

  “They were,” she whispered.

  Josh watched as she moistened her lips. One more taste, that’s all he needed before they began their day. He pushed her onto her back and climbed on top of her.

  An hour later, after what was supposed to be just a kiss, Josh and Abigail made their way downstairs. In the kitchen, they found breakfast being prepared by his housekeeper. Hailey sat at the kitchen table, coloring with Ms. Janet. When she heard them come in, her eyes lit up and she jumped out of her seat to run and hug her mom. After she released Abigail, she looked up at him and gave him a big grin.

  “Good morning, Mr. Josh.”

  “Good morning.” He couldn’t wait until they told her he was her father. He agreed with Abigail that Hailey was ready. And he couldn’t wait to hear the beautiful little girl call him Daddy. And with that thought, he was determined to get Abigail to marry him and give him at least five more kids.

  “Breakfast is about ready,” his house keeper announced. “Coffee’s done though.”

  Abigail got her coffee and then sat down at the table. He joined them as well with his cup. After a few moments, breakfast was served. Hailey loved eating a big breakfast each morning. She told him she didn’t want to go back to cold cereal. But he wasn’t going to push. He had faith that things would work out and soon she could have that breakfast each morning.

  “What are we doing today?” Hailey asked.

  “No big plans today.” Abigail took a bite of her bacon. “But Mr. Josh and I want to sit down and talk with you though.”

  “What about?”

  “Right now we’re eating. But after we all get cleaned up, we’ll sit and talk. Sound good?”

  Hailey nodded.

  Josh’s heart sped up with the upcoming announcement. He couldn’t help but worry Hailey would be mad and upset they hadn’t told her. He watched as she ate. She was such a happy child. Abigail had done a wonderful job with her.

  When breakfast was over, he excused himself first and headed up the stairs to shower and get ready for the day. He hoped he didn’t come across to the two most important girls in his life that he was giving them the cold shoulder, but he had to prepare himself mentally for today. Things were about to officially change and in some ways it scared the crap out of him.

  After he was showered and dressed, he locked himself in his study. He pulled out a photo album and flipped through the pages that were filled with his parents. He missed them and right about now he could use his mother’s advice, or at least her shoulder to lean on. She’d have loved both Abigail and Hailey. His mother and father would be spoiling Hailey more than he was. By now she would h
ave a room filled with anything her heart desired.

  He laid the photo album down, but removed a picture of his parents first. He then opened his brief case and pulled out the envelope that held the results of the DNA test. Nate had advised him to read the results before he told the little girl. That before he opened his arms and home to them, he needed to make sure.

  Josh’s finger sat at the edge and lightly pulled the paper away, hearing the tear. At the halfway mark, he stopped and set the envelope down. Something warmed in his chest and he felt as though someone was communicating with him. Looking up at the ceiling, he had a feeling it was his mom. She was there whenever he needed her.

  A tear trickled down his cheek and he felt his mother’s presence, letting him know the results in the envelope. He no longer wanted it in his possession. When the time came to legitimize Hailey, he’d have Nate fax the results to his lawyer. Standing, he picked up the envelope, opened the top drawer, and removed a lighter. He lit the flame and placed it to the paper. As it burned in his hand, the warmth that had engulfed his heart now spread throughout his body. When the flame was nearing his fingers, he dropped it into the empty waste bucket.

  Once it had burned and the fire was out, he left his study to find Abigail and Hailey, the picture of his parents in his hand.

  * * * *

  Abigail decided to have the big talk with Hailey out in the garden. Hailey loved coming out there and playing. Josh was inside getting the picnic basket. They had agreed on doing a late lunch. She’d gotten worried earlier when he had disappeared after breakfast, but she was sure he had his reasons. When he’d returned, he seemed to be himself again. Abigail hadn’t stopped to think about how this was affecting him.

  Hailey ran over and handed Abigail a flower.

  “Thank you.”

  “Can we get a garden like this at our house?” Hailey asked.

  “We’re in an apartment, honey. That’s a little hard. Maybe a flower box on the deck.”

  Hailey sat down next to her. “I don’t want to leave. Can we stay here? Do you think Mr. Josh would let us?”

  Abigail smiled. Mr. Josh would certainly let them stay forever if they wanted. And the more Abigail thought about it, the more she wanted to stay as well. However, she knew this couldn’t be a magical fairy tale for them. Although she was no longer angry with Josh for putting her out of a job. In fact, he’d given her an excuse to leave a world she no longer wished to be a part of. Deep down she knew if they went back to their home, her heart would still be here.

  Looking over at Hailey, who was picking the petals off the flowers she’d just gathered, she knew her daughter would be sad if they left. Abigail took a deep breath and decided she would wait to see how this talk went before making any big decisions.

  “Here are my two favorite ladies,” Josh said as he approached them.

  “I’m starving, Mr. Josh. I hope whatever you have in there is good.”

  “How does a BLT sound?”

  Hailey shrugged. “I don’t know. What is it?”

  Josh laughed. “It’s a sandwich with B for bacon, L for lettuce, and T for tomato.”

  “I’ll take a BT then.”

  Abigail laughed. “Okay, sweetie.”

  Josh sat down on the blanket that Abigail had brought out with her. He set the basket in the middle and looked over at Abigail. She knew he was nervous, because she was too. Hailey’s life was about to change. She had never really asked about her father. Only once at a school function had she asked. Abigail had frozen but hadn’t gone into detail. She knew that would come later. She’d simply explained that Hailey had been a gift from God to her. And that had satisfied her for the time being.

  Abigail removed the sandwiches from the basket. She opened her daughter’s and removed the lettuce before handing it to her. Hailey took a big bite of the sandwich. “I like it.”

  “It’s my favorite sandwich,” Josh told her. “My mom used to make them for me all the time.”

  “Does she still?” Hailey asked.

  He shook his head. “Not anymore. She’s in Heaven now.”

  Abigail reached out, rubbing his arm. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  Josh reached into his back pocket and removed a photo. He handed it to Hailey. Abigail leaned next to her and peered at the picture. “Are these them?”

  “Yes.”

  Abigail stared at the face of his mother and swore she was looking at Hailey. The resemblance was striking. “What were their names?”

  He cleared his throat. “My dad’s name was Phillip and my mother’s,” he paused and took a deep breath, “my mom’s name was Hailey.”

  Abigail thought her heart stopped beating. Tears built up in her eyes and began to spill out. She couldn’t believe her daughter shared the same name as her grandmother. And that it hadn’t been planned.

  “Mommy, why are you crying? Do you not like that his mom had my name? Because, you know, a little girl in the room next to mine at school is called Hailey too and I didn’t cry.”

  Abigail laughed. “That’s why I am.”

  “That’s silly.”

  Abigail reached out, pulled Hailey into her lap, and looked at Josh. He nodded, knowing what she was about to do.

  “Hailey, sweetie, Mr. Josh and I have something to tell you.”

  Josh moved closer as well but didn’t say anything.

  “Tell me.”

  “You know how you went to take that test with Mr. Josh?”

  Hailey’s head moved up and down as she took another bite of her sandwich.

  “Well, sweetie, Mr. Josh is someone very special to you.” The tears started again. Josh handed her a napkin, but before she could take it, he wiped away her tears.

  “Who are you?” Hailey asked him.

  Abigail nodded this time, letting him know he could go ahead and tell her.

  “I’m your dad.”

  “Really?”

  Abigail squeezed her daughter’s shoulders. “Yes, he is.”

  Hailey set her food down and then left Abigail’s lap. She took a few steps and plopped herself in Josh’s lap. “I’ve always wanted a daddy. I’m glad it’s you.”

  Abigail smiled and her heart melted. Josh reached out and tugged her to him, wrapping his arm around her as well. She laid her head against him.

  “Do you have any questions?” Abigail asked.

  “Do we get to live here?”

  Before she could speak, Josh reached with his other hand toward the picnic basket. He pulled out a small black box and Abigail’s mouth dropped open. He couldn’t be…was he?

  “Hop up a minute,” he said to Hailey.

  Her daughter obeyed, taking a seat next to her. Josh turned to Abigail. “I love you. I never want you to leave here. I want to make every dream of yours come true. I can’t imagine having you and Hailey over a thousand miles away. Please tell me you will do me the honor of being my wife.” He opened the box and a gorgeous diamond glistened in the sunlight.

  “What are you going to say?” Hailey asked, staring at her.

  Abigail stared at the gorgeous ring. More than anything she wanted to say yes. But things were moving so fast. Just last night she’d told him she wanted to take things slow. As she took in the site of the diamond nestled inside a black box, her heart rate beat at a rhythm so fast she worried a panic attack was about to start. “Oh, Josh, it’s beautiful, but I can’t say yes.”

  She couldn’t look at him as he asked, “Why not?”

  “It’s too soon. This is all happening so fast. I’m not ready.”

  Josh closed the velvet box. Glancing up at him, she saw he appeared sad and she hated knowing she had hurt him. But this wasn’t some fairytale and he couldn’t just swoop in and make everything the way it should be.

  “I think Hailey and I need to fly home. Would your jet be able to take us today?”

  “So soon?”

  Abigail nodded. “I think its best we go.”

  She started to put everything back i
n the basket when he reached out, catching her wrist. “Tell me one thing…that it’s not over. And you’re going to give this a real chance. I don’t want to lose you or Hailey.”

  “You’re not losing either of us. It’s just too much too soon,” she repeated, not sure if it was for him or her. Abigail glanced away and saw Hailey had lost interest and wandered back over to the flower garden. “Hailey, come on. We need to go pack.”

  Taking her daughter’s hand, she looked back at Josh and smiled. He didn’t return the gesture. Instead, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. As she and Hailey walked toward the house, she heard him ask for his jet to be readied.

  Chapter Eight

  Josh slammed his laptop shut. As he stood, he shoved his chair back, hearing the thud as it hit the wall. This past week had been one of the worst in his life. It wasn’t easy putting on a happy face when his family was a thousand miles away and the woman he loved had turned down his proposal.

  Josh stood in front of his wet bar and poured a glass of scotch. He understood where she was coming from. Abigail wanted to take things slow and see where things went. And he supposed he couldn’t blame her. It wasn’t like they had a history and really knew one another. They shared a child. One they’d conceived from a one-night stand. That didn’t make them soul mates or anything fuzzy like that.

  Abigail called him nightly though so he could tell Hailey goodnight. The little girl couldn’t wait to see him again. She’d really warmed up to him and Josh was glad. Hailey wanted him to come see her this weekend, but he had to turn her down. He had a big dinner to attend Saturday. He’d asked Abigail if she’d like to be his date, and for a moment he thought she was going to say yes, but then she hadn’t.

  He took a sip of his drink, enjoying the burn as it went down. Any minute now his phone would be ringing and Abigail would be on the other side. Did it tear at her heart as much as it did his that they were so far apart?

  * * * *

  “Is it time to call daddy?” Hailey asked as she grabbed her toothbrush.

  It still took Abigail aback to hear her daughter say the word daddy. But she was glad her daughter finally had one. “Scrub those chompers and then come meet me in your room.”